Most common 2011 Lexus IS problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS complaints by model year
Best IS years: 2014, 2013, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2011 Lexus IS owners say
Air bags
Takata recall - on the webpage https://www.NHTSA.gov/recall-spotlight/Takata-air-bags, the 2011 Lexus is250 AWD IS shown to be included in the Takata airbag recall, however when searching by the VIN, no recalls are specified. I have not received any recall information from Lexus. Please advise if the car IS included actually included in the recall. Thank you.
Takata recall - my car IS supposedly affected by the recall, but the recall will not actually show up in the system- it sounds like it only happens in 2019 - which IS greater than 6 years after the car was put in service. I am concerned about the safety of my passengers and loss of value to the car. Additionally, the car IS currently in pa but will be moving to warmer weather climate and this will cause the degradation to happen more rapidly. Lexus reports there are no issues, which IS not true according to their own website.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshield when driving. This poses an immediate safety hazard when driving as it's sometimes difficult to see objects that are right in front of the car while driving. The defective dashboard has been confirmed by the dealer and manufacturer. Although the manufacturer issued a customer support program to replace the dashboard, it was not a mandatory recall and the support program has since expired. Additionally, the support program initially described the malfunction as only a cosmetic issue. …
The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warranty program for this issue, but we were never contacted and the issue was not an issue then, but clearly this is a known defect in their materials. Replacing the dash on our own would be very costly. The glare resulting from this is terrible. I have reached out to Lexus and they will not take responsibility for the faulty material and I am concerned this is a serious safety issue as visibililty is affected. Rather than a warranty enhancement, I urge a recall to prevent accidents.
Body & structure
The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warranty program for this issue, but we were never contacted and the issue was not an issue then, but clearly this is a known defect in their materials. Replacing the dash on our own would be very costly. The glare resulting from this is terrible. I have reached out to Lexus and they will not take responsibility for the faulty material and I am concerned this is a serious safety issue as visibililty is affected. Rather than a warranty enhancement, I urge a recall to prevent accidents.
The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to reflection. The dealer has asked us to contact Lexus and Lexus will not help us anymore, stating this is an out of pocket repair. Given that this is a known defect and a potentially serious safety issue, I urge you to initiate a true recall.
2011 Lexus IS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Lexus IS a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 IS rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the IS at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Lexus IS?
The air bags — 7 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (4) and body & structure (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus IS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Lexus IS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2007. See the full Lexus IS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Lexus IS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.